East Idaho News
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Idaho Falls Zoo welcomes baby snow leapard
Posted
July 8, 2016
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July 8, 2016
2,740
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1:22Now PlayingIDAHO FALLS — City officials announce snow leopard birth today at the Idaho Falls Zoo.
There are approximately 600 snow leopards living in accredited zoos worldwide including around 250 in American zoos. The Idaho Falls Zoo now has one more.
The staff at the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park is thrilled to announce the birth of a male snow leopard. The cub is now 8 weeks old and is available for public viewing daily during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
The cub was born on May 10 and is being raised by his mother, Sundarii. Sundarii is a 10-year-old snow leopard who has successfully raised cubs in the past. The father of the cub is 6-year-old, Ketu. This is the first male offspring for the pair.
DavidPen
“This is very significant day for the zoo, for the city and for conservation in general.” Idaho Falls Zoo executive director David Pennock said. “(The cub)represents a very critically endangered species from Asian, a new Snow Leopard cub is an important step in ensuring the long-term viability of an endangered species”
The cub has been monitored closely by veterinary and zoo-keeping staff since his birth in May. Sundarii has once again proven to be an excellent mother, and staff members are pleased with the growth and development of the cub. Weighing only 1.46lb at birth, the cub has grown to 9.04lbs as of July 5. Given his robust health and development, the cub is now old enough to venture out into the outdoor snow leopard enclosure for public viewing.
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The birth of the cub is very significant in that snow leopards are endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching. It is estimated that there are only 4,000 to 6,500 snow leopards left in the wild. This new cub is the eighteenth snow leopard cub born at the Idaho Falls Zoo. As a participant in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for snow leopards, cubs born at the Idaho Falls Zoo have been placed in breeding programs throughout North America including New York, Toronto, Seattle, Chicago, Memphis, Albuquerque and Omaha to ensure the genetic health and long-term viability of the snow leopard population.
“The zoo is very excited to introduce this beautiful new snow leopard cub to our guests!” stated David Pennock, Zoo Superintendent. “He is a representation of hope for a bright and healthy future for this extraordinary species and the world’s wildlife as a whole.”
Follow the Idaho Falls Zoo on Facebook to see photos and follow the growth of the new cub.
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